Why Depression Feels Worse in Menopause

You may already be dealing with low mood, but can menopause make depression worse? Here's what's happening.

MENOPAUSAL MENTAL HEALTHMENOPAUSAL DEPRESSIONMENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS

Kennerly Clay

5/22/20243 min read

woman overwhelmed by menopause depression

Can menopause make depression worse?

The physical and emotional upheavals of menopause don't just impact your body; they can disrupt every facet of daily life. From straining personal relationships to affecting job performance, the symptoms of menopause create fertile ground for mental health issues to sprout. All combined, depression may feel worse in menopause.

Yes, menopause can make depression worse due to hormonal fluctuations that intensify emotional challenges. These shifts can heighten existing depression or trigger new symptoms. But with the right approach to Menopause and Mental Health, you can focus on Treating Menopause Depression effectively.

After all, menopause is an inevitable phase in a woman's life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It's like Mother Nature is saying, "Congratulations, you've survived puberty, childbirth, and everything in between. Now, let's kick your ass into older age!" In more formal terms, menopause signifies the end of a woman's reproductive years, marked by the cessation of menstruation for 12 consecutive months.

But the journey to this milestone is anything but smooth. Common symptoms range from hot flashes that make you feel like you're standing on the sun, to night sweats that drench your bedsheets. Mood swings can turn you into a crazy be-otch, raging at your partner one minute then laughing your fool head off to sobbing uncontrollably in a matter of minutes.

Throw in some sleep disturbances, robbing you of restful nights and leaving you to face the day completely depleted. Then there's the brain fog, where simple tasks feel moving through quicksand. It's obvious why coping with menopause depression can be so challenging.

Understanding the full spectrum of menopause symptoms is crucial for recognizing how this life stage can complicate emotional well-being. The interplay between menopause and mental health depends a lot on the types of menopausal symptoms you're experiencing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States.

The connection between menopause and depression

Menopause is a significant transition in your life, characterized by the end of menstrual cycles, typically occurring in the late 40s to early 50s. While it is a natural biological process, it's often accompanied by a host of symptoms that can impact mental health. One of the most pressing concerns is the link between menopause and an increased risk of depression. The hormonal fluctuations that occur during menopause can have a profound effect on brain chemistry, potentially leading to mood disorders.

Research indicates that women are twice as likely to experience depression during menopause compared to other times in their lives. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found women in midlife who were approaching the age when perimenopause starts were at a 40% greater risk of depression. While menopause doesn't necessarily "cause" depression, this statistic highlights the importance of understanding and addressing mental health during menopause. Explore other things you can do about menopause depression.